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Madeleine Peyroux — Between The Bars
Album: Careless Love
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2026








Released: 2004
Length: 3:37
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Drink up, baby
Stay up all night
Things you could do
You won't but you might

The potential you'll be
You'll never see
Promises you'll only make
Drink up with me now
And forget all about
Pressure of days
Do what I say
And I'll make you okay
And drive them away
Images stuck in your head

People you've been before
That you don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still

Drink up, baby
Look at the stars.
And I'll kiss you again
Between the bars
Where i'm seeing you there
With your hands in the air
Waiting to finally be caught

Drink up one more time
And I'll make you mine
And keep you apart
Deep in my heart
Separate from the rest
Where I like you the best
Keep the things you forgot

The people you've been before
That you don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still
Comments (333)add comment
This is a nice cover. I would love to hear the original on here too.
Posted 2 weeks ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 therealrasputin wrote:
Her voice was much better when it was Billie Holiday's. Lol. She should really find her own voice, imo. Sounds like a simulation.


Ever stop to consider maybe her voice actually just sounds like Billie Holliday's?
Posted 2 weeks ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
So Great ! I Love that
Posted 2 months ago by thoskan    [ Reply ]
 mylokline wrote:

The resemblance to Billie Holiday in her singing style borders on mannerism. Nice rendition but it lacks the soul of Smith's original



"Mannerism"; what a fantastic word, perfectly descriptive. 
Posted 3 months ago by dfphillips1    [ Reply ]
 slowchair wrote:

Reminds me so much of Billie Holliday. Awesome.



Yes. Strange fruit
Posted 9 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
The resemblance to Billie Holiday in her singing style borders on mannerism. Nice rendition but it lacks the soul of Smith's original
Posted 11 months ago by mylokline    [ Reply ]
Terrific lyrics 
Posted 1 year ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
 tomperth1 wrote:

For me, totally the wrong vibe with this cover.  The original from Elliott Smith was a study in agonised sympathy and regret, with the music and vocals matching the lyrics perfectly.  I acknowledge that artists need to put their own stamp on a cover, but this for me missed the mark by some distance.



This is an example of a true and appropriate comment here on RP! I applaud tomperth1! I also wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment. It's a nice cover and I do, in fact, like Madeleine Peyroux...however...just not as enjoyable as the original. Perhaps if I never heard the original...I'd enjoy this more.
Posted 2 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 bforr wrote:

This is just a sublime song. No other word does it justice.



40 Ounces To Freedom!
Posted 3 years ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
 rKokon wrote:

Would tony620d please explain the term "sappy pos"? I have never seen or heard "pos." Is it an acronym?



Point of Sale. He doesn't like her cash register. 
Posted 3 years ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
This is just a sublime song. No other word does it justice.
Posted 3 years ago by bforr    [ Reply ]
Just love her, this album is perfection.
Posted 3 years ago by acferrad    [ Reply ]
Unbelievable genious artist! One of my most lovely singers.
Posted 3 years ago by Anatol    [ Reply ]
lovely words... :)
Posted 4 years ago by Jamer2k41    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Tom Waits and Billie Holiday at the same time.
cool
Posted 4 years ago by Vero_Luxemburg    [ Reply ]
For me, totally the wrong vibe with this cover.  The original from Elliott Smith was a study in agonised sympathy and regret, with the music and vocals matching the lyrics perfectly.  I acknowledge that artists need to put their own stamp on a cover, but this for me missed the mark by some distance.
Posted 4 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
 stanleywkoci wrote:

Total agreement. Why mess with perfection?
 

Gosh, I guess she should've checked with you guys first.
Posted 5 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
Beautiful rendition.
Posted 5 years ago by johnfurman1    [ Reply ]
 bb_matt wrote:
The more I hear this, which is a lot on RP, the more I like it. Currently a 7 for me. 😃
 POW's eventually adopt the political philosophies of their captors.
 

Posted 5 years ago by hestonian    [ Reply ]
 therealrasputin wrote:
If Elliott Smith wasn't already dead, he would be stabbing himself in his ears this time. Not remotely heartfelt. Sounds like a bad Billie Holiday impersonation done by a constipated fat man waltzing on the grave of a genius. But I guess the instrumentation was okay. :-P
I'd much rather hear actual Elliott Smith songs. No need to go all post-modern on them. The originals are perfection.

 
Total agreement. Why mess with perfection?
Posted 6 years ago by stanleywkoci    [ Reply ]
Reminds me so much of Billie Holliday. Awesome.
Posted 6 years ago by slowchair    [ Reply ]
Very nice. Not as good as the original, though.
Posted 7 years ago by CDextrous    [ Reply ]
Love this song.  Love Elliot Smith.  This - not so much.
Posted 7 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Never heard this before now, had me stopped in my tracks. Beautiful
Posted 7 years ago by michaele    [ Reply ]
Liquid honey. If Ella and Billie had a little girl, with the perfect mix of Ella's voice and Billie's impeccable timing.  They would love Madeleine.
Posted 7 years ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

I know this is going to kill me but....Holiday had none of this range. Nice, innovative, important, and enjoyable but not a patch on this voice.

 
Holiday's range was 1 octave.  1   Is it true that Mariah Carey has a 7 octave range?  WUFF!
Posted 8 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
How can you do an outright impersonation yet not bill yourself as an impersonator? How can you sleep at night?
Posted 8 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Saw her at City Winery NYC several months back and it had to be the oddest show I've ever attended - she's probably just a bit to eclectic for me.
Posted 8 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
Love the song, but - not this version.  Jarring.
Posted 8 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
The more I hear this, which is a lot on RP, the more I like it. Currently a 7 for me. 😃
 
Posted 8 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
Love you Maddy, but this isn't your favourite song is it?
Posted 8 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 therealrasputin wrote:
Her voice was much better when it was Billie Holiday's. Lol. She should really find her own voice, imo. Sounds like a simulation.

 
Yes. For the first minute I was certain it was Billie. 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Her voice was much better when it was Billie Holiday's. Lol. She should really find her own voice, imo. Sounds like a simulation.
Posted 9 years ago by therealrasputin    [ Reply ]
If Elliott Smith wasn't already dead, he would be stabbing himself in his ears this time. Not remotely heartfelt. Sounds like a bad Billie Holiday impersonation done by a constipated fat man waltzing on the grave of a genius. But I guess the instrumentation was okay. :-P
I'd much rather hear actual Elliott Smith songs. No need to go all post-modern on them. The originals are perfection.
Posted 9 years ago by therealrasputin    [ Reply ]
retro sound :)
Posted 9 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
STOP. IT!
Posted 9 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 dburges wrote:

Agreed- this blows.

 
Agree
 
Posted 9 years ago by kdpace    [ Reply ]
you know you can. i'm your man
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]

 

She sounds like the Friday Night I wish to have... but won't because...

The song applies twice


Posted 10 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
It would only be fair to follow this up with Elliott Smith's version.  You give us a taste, but not a drink. 
Posted 10 years ago by GarageDragon    [ Reply ]
Love her voice, silky and sultry, not everyones taste perhaps but Madeleine's is timeless.
Posted 10 years ago by bexhillos    [ Reply ]
 chism2 wrote:
I find her voice expressionless, If unusual. Consider this an abuse of Elliot's wonderful lyrics.
 
Agreed- this blows.
Posted 10 years ago by dburges    [ Reply ]
I find her voice expressionless, If unusual. Consider this an abuse of Elliot's wonderful lyrics.
Posted 10 years ago by chism2    [ Reply ]
 twcarlin wrote:
Jelani wrote:
ouch.

 


She is definitely someone that looks different in different lighting. I think Seinfeld did a whole episode on this phenomena.


 
I don't know what you people missing.  She's very attractive, has a beautiful voice, and success.

 Maybe it's common decency?  Or is it envy?
Posted 10 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Minimalist, yet a good song
Posted 11 years ago by Vaxhall    [ Reply ]
very nice, never knew Elliott Smith wrote it.
Posted 11 years ago by PaoloManana    [ Reply ]
 jsanio wrote:
At first I was excited by Madeleine P... But then I noticed she is so derivative of Billie Holiday. While she has a wonderful voice.. I just can't seem to stop thinking ho hum... I have heard this all before and so much better.

 
I know this is going to kill me but....Holiday had none of this range. Nice, innovative, important, and enjoyable but not a patch on this voice.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
At first I was excited by Madeleine P... But then I noticed she is so derivative of Billie Holiday. While she has a wonderful voice.. I just can't seem to stop thinking ho hum... I have heard this all before and so much better.
Posted 11 years ago by jsanio    [ Reply ]
Thank god for PSD.

So long Elliott :(
Posted 11 years ago by palad1    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I was folding sheets, and this was playing, and I got a shiver and had to just stop what I was doing and listen...

No words... just wow. {#Sunny}
 
Miss you. {#Heartkiss}
Posted 11 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
 lshinkawa wrote:
Can't possibly do justice to the original by Elliot Smith.  This is horrendous; she should have left this song alone
 
Love Elliot, but disagree entirely. The Tom Waits-style arrangement takes it in a new and excellent direction.
Posted 12 years ago by karljonasson    [ Reply ]
 SinisterDexter wrote:

Quite possibly the funniest comment I've ever seen on this site. {#Lol}

 
It's Comic Book Guy quote from The Simpsons.  Still, kudos for the reference.
Posted 12 years ago by malvey254    [ Reply ]
Can't possibly do justice to the original by Elliot Smith.  This is horrendous; she should have left this song alone
Posted 13 years ago by lshinkawa    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:
Are you the creator of Hi and Lois?  Because you are making me laugh.  Now stop banging your head on the display case please, it contains a very rare Mary Worth in which she has advised a friend to commit suicide. Thank you.
 
Quite possibly the funniest comment I've ever seen on this site. {#Lol}

Posted 13 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
 Zweiblumen wrote:
Used to like this, then I heard the Eliot Smith (original?) version.  This now pales.
 

Yes. Peyroux has a beautiful voice but the original moves me.
Posted 13 years ago by gabrielle7nt    [ Reply ]
I was folding sheets, and this was playing, and I got a shiver and had to just stop what I was doing and listen...

No words... just wow. {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Voices like this don't come around very often! Great.
Posted 14 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
Not for me!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 skyobrien wrote:
sounds like Billie Holiday
 


Yeah... she does
Posted 14 years ago by stevematic    [ Reply ]
She has a lovely voice, nice but all I can think about is Elliot.  Such a great songwriter, so sensitively written - a true artist.
Posted 14 years ago by Susan_Ssun    [ Reply ]
sounds like Billie Holiday
Posted 14 years ago by skyobrien    [ Reply ]
ode to the sad man on rainy Portland sidewalks
Posted 15 years ago by mcYammer    [ Reply ]
Calming voice, quite the change from DMB
Posted 15 years ago by ortallcowgirl    [ Reply ]
I love the song but don't particularly care for this cover. The best, in my opinion, is still Amelia's (from the album "To Elliott, From Portland").
Posted 15 years ago by nanuq    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:

(assumes Comic-Book Store Guy voice) "Sir: Jerry identified the phenomena of The Two-Face. But La Peyroux is not that. She is extremely attractive, and very sexy, without being particularly beautiful, a phenomena admittedly more common in Europe than in North America. You stand corrected."

 

Are you the creator of Hi and Lois?  Because you are making me laugh.  Now stop banging your head on the display case please, it contains a very rare Mary Worth in which she has advised a friend to commit suicide. Thank you.

Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Nice...A new discovery for me. Thanks RP.
Posted 15 years ago by derekd    [ Reply ]
Pretty song...reminds me of Nina Simone.
Posted 15 years ago by kencav    [ Reply ]
nice cover of one of my favourite songs. beats the chris garneau version by far!

Posted 15 years ago by RobAnybody    [ Reply ]
 twcarlin wrote:
Jelani wrote:
ouch.

 


She is definitely someone that looks different in different lighting. I think Seinfeld did a whole episode on this phenomena.

 
(assumes Comic-Book Store Guy voice) "Sir: Jerry identified the phenomena of The Two-Face. But La Peyroux is not that. She is extremely attractive, and very sexy, without being particularly beautiful, a phenomena admittedly more common in Europe than in North America. You stand corrected."

Posted 15 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
 big_gare wrote:
Remember when KD Lang tried to pass herself off as the reincarnation of Patsy Cline? She even called her band "The Reclines" (Get it?) Ok, I always felt that was so lame because, in fact, she did not really sound like Patsy Cline. Maybe a little, but not in a way that made you go "wow!" 
 
I don't know how fair that is.

Patsy Kline was k.d. lang's idol and a principal influence but she never hid that.  I don't think she ever tried to pass herself off as "The New Patsy Kline". She's always tried to do her own thing, like it or hate it.  You just have to look at the way she dressed in the early days (ever see Patsy Kline in a tutu? Nope).
Posted 15 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Chris Garneau does a fine job of this also.



Posted 15 years ago by hunthunthunt    [ Reply ]
Can we please have some ES next to clean this out of my ears?
Posted 15 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
 Zweiblumen wrote:
Used to like this, then I heard the Eliot Smith (original?) version.  This now pales.
 
You mean this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37k_Ri1XxEc It;s certainly nice but sometime someone else does a better or just differently better version, witness Hurt by Johnny C and the original by Trent R. They are both good but...
Posted 15 years ago by zerosomething    [ Reply ]
Used to like this, then I heard the Eliot Smith (original?) version.  This now pales.
Posted 16 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
Jelani wrote:
ouch.

 


She is definitely someone that looks different in different lighting. I think Seinfeld did a whole episode on this phenomena.

Posted 16 years ago by twcarlin    [ Reply ]
Uniquely inspired. Flawless musicianship & production.
Posted 16 years ago by Dog_Ear    [ Reply ]
esotericderek wrote:
Hmmmm....you think?
ouch.
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Yeah, that's it.
Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
pretty piano. Very! Nice sounds, great smoky voice.
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
Very fine song........
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
One take and I was taken....CD is on it's way to my postal address as we speak!!! can't wait to here the balance of this Disc!!
Posted 16 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
good take on Elliott.
Posted 16 years ago by out_to_lunch    [ Reply ]
ubastard wrote:
oh soooooo sexy :-)
Hmmmm....you think?
Posted 16 years ago by esotericderek    [ Reply ]
I think she's in love with me No wait, it was me in love with her. Yeah that was it.
Posted 16 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
oh soooooo sexy :-)
Posted 16 years ago by ubastard    [ Reply ]
eerie and beautiful singing and arrangement.
Posted 16 years ago by fletch    [ Reply ]
Very interesting. Personally, I like it but like the original much better. Funny how this one fairs with the peanut gallery. Very much a love-it-or-hate-it thing.
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
SHE is a GOD-ess!! I love her rendering and her delivery. Don't know what happened in Pub Radio, but she delivers!
Posted 16 years ago by tiare    [ Reply ]
After hearing her sloppy, out of tune performance on A Prairie Home Companion on Saturday, I think it's best to listen to Ms. Peyroux after she has had some engineering help in the studio.
Posted 17 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
sacrilege.
Posted 17 years ago by tinybubbles    [ Reply ]
Keep the beat. No more downers. It Friday.
Posted 17 years ago by casabach    [ Reply ]
I heard her voice and was captivated, so I sprung for one of her CDs. Overall, awful. Great voice, but really poor tune selection.
Posted 17 years ago by iMichael    [ Reply ]
Remember when KD Lang tried to pass herself off as the reincarnation of Patsy Cline? She even called her band "The Reclines" (Get it?) Ok, I always felt that was so lame because, in fact, she did not really sound like Patsy Cline. Maybe a little, but not in a way that made you go "wow!" Well, Madeleine Peyroux is a whole different deal. She is a brilliant "homage" to a brilliant artist. I'm sure her portrayal of Billie Holiday is intentional, but at least she has the god given talent to completely pull it off. Unapologetically! I love her for that!
Posted 17 years ago by big_gare    [ Reply ]
comparisons or not - her voice is like "butta"! beautiful....
Posted 17 years ago by tlbritton    [ Reply ]
verninino wrote:
I've been listening off and on to Radio Paradise for two years, but this is my first time commenting. I imagine Mdm Peyroux must have very ambivalent feelings about having her voice constantly associated with Billie Holiday-- a lucrative blessing and an inescapable curse. Nevertheless, that's what drew me to leave a comment. I'm glad she chooses to celebrate and revel in the resemblance rather than mask it.
Excellent and insightful comment. Welcome to RP! I've stopped listening to this album for a long while, but only because I played it so often before. Comparisons aside, she has a remarkable talent in her voice...hopefully, she finds a way to channel it through more complex and varied music in the future. Likeable tune.
Posted 17 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
diseasedyak wrote:
DITTO
Posted 17 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
Not buyin' it. These lyrics coming from her? They're Elliott's. They do not seem generic and universal to me, where anyone could take them up and sing them.
Posted 17 years ago by ambliance    [ Reply ]
K, not my favorite Madeleine song (can we get some "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go"?)... HOWEVER, the sound of her voice reminds me of the very intense, non-sexual crush I have on her. *sigh*
Posted 17 years ago by kelly652    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by diseasedyak    [ Reply ]
electronicthroat wrote:
Elliot's version is still better.
I agree, but I still appreciate hearing covers that take a song in a new direction. Not in the way American Idols "make it their own", though.
Posted 17 years ago by ekalvi    [ Reply ]
queenjill wrote:
I really liked this until I heard Elliott's original. Now this seems so bland.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Elliot\'s version is still better.
Posted 17 years ago by electronicthroat    [ Reply ]
h2o2kat wrote:
I would probably like it sitting in a dark smoky club in Harlem. (Do they have "smoky" clubs in Harlem, anymore?)
Nope. You'll have to get a time travel machine for that...
Posted 17 years ago by jstrait    [ Reply ]
Heard her interviewed on local radio when I was on holiday in Spain recently - I thought she was extremely ungracious, if not downright rude. The fact is, this new generation of soft, jazzy female pop singers bores the pants off me (and that includes Norah Jones). Billy Holiday sang that way because she was so damned tired of life, not because she wanted to affect a 'style'.
Posted 17 years ago by bodhi    [ Reply ]
queenjill wrote:
I really liked this until I heard Elliott's original. Now this seems so bland.
Yep.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
sukilau wrote:
I second the martini comment!!!
What a coincidence! I'm drinking a martini right now
Posted 17 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Billie Holiday- maybe a litle too much. I would probably like it sitting in a dark smoky club in Harlem. (Do they have "smoky" clubs in Harlem, anymore?)
Posted 17 years ago by h2o2kat    [ Reply ]
Chris Garneau does great cover of this song! Check it out: https://www.chrisgarneau.com/
Posted 17 years ago by Kornmann    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
Like the cover shot better than the song... but I would probably like the song fine in live performance or as mood music in a cafe. Maybe I just need a martini.
I second the martini comment!!!
Posted 17 years ago by sukilau    [ Reply ]
The whole album is good. This may be my favorite song on it, though.
Posted 17 years ago by Jimi_the_Saint    [ Reply ]
verninino wrote:
I've been listening off and on to Radio Paradise for two years, but this is my first time commenting. I imagine Mdm Peyroux must have very ambivalent feelings about having her voice constantly associated with Billie Holiday-- a lucrative blessing and an inescapable curse. Nevertheless, that's what drew me to leave a comment. I'm glad she chooses to celebrate and revel in the resemblance rather than mask it.
This is beautifully put. When she started getting radio play, I thought it was a flat-out gimmick. I've grown accustomed to her style, though, and appreciate it more now. (I also love Billie H.)
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
What's the CD like?
Posted 17 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
I really liked this until I heard Elliott's original. Now this seems so bland.
Posted 17 years ago by queenjill    [ Reply ]
I heard Madeleine Peyroux in RP and then got her CD. I LOVE it. Thanks RP!!
Posted 17 years ago by mememu    [ Reply ]
Like the cover shot better than the song... but I would probably like the song fine in live performance or as mood music in a cafe. Maybe I just need a martini.
Posted 17 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Great segue from Miles Davis - Mystery!
Posted 17 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
I am sure she has much better talent than this song shows. Great song by Elliot (RIP).
Posted 17 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
extraordinairement beau!
Posted 17 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
When I hear this song I think of Elliot Smith and how this song in the voice of this woman is just T E R R I B L E in comparison.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Alright...I'll bite... There's nothing wrong with a preference for Billie Holliday - I, too, prefer her voice and music. But once again - as much as might think so, you CAN'T hear emotion and "rawness" and feeling and the like. You can hear it simulated, but there's nothing about the sound that proves it's genuinely felt by the singer. Many people can sound like they're putting everything into it, but that doesn't prove they are. People can make facial expressions, close their eyes really tight, or do any number of other things to convey "feeling." I'm not saying Billie didn't really have emotion and such in her music, but you can't say that Peyroux doesn't just by the sound. Besides, the appearance of emotion or feeling in music doesn't make it good. We wouldn't be lauding Billie if she didn't also sing well or innovatively, most likely. meower215 wrote:
Forgive ME if this sounds rough.... she does try to sound like Billie Holliday, I agree. But anyone who really listens to Billie and knows her stuff knows that the emotion and raw quality of Billie is just NOT in this woman's voice. Madeleine uses the breath-ee technique, but she does not come close to the emoting and realness of who Billie Holliday was. of course this is my HO thanx
Posted 17 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]